Teach-Primary-Issue-19.7

FEATURES PASTORAL 4 | DEFINE BOUNDARIES What does taking turns actually look like? “My go, your go,” often fails, because no one has decided exactly what a ‘go’ means before starting to play. Give children an opportunity to problem-solve tricky sharing scenarios by showing pictures or using objects and asking them to suggest a plan for taking turns. For example: Two children and only one basketball? ‘Three throws at the hoop, then pass it on’ would work. A delicious cake at a birthday party? Equally sized slices for everyone! A new book on the class bookshelf? Group storytime. 5 | SLOW DOWN AND CONNECT Appreciating our school friends for who they are and reminding ourselves of the value of friendship does more than foster moments of sharing at school; it builds community and teaches us that objects are never as important (or as fun) as time spent with our friends. Mirroring games, where we sit opposite our partner and mirror their movements, require us to slow down and respond to each other in the present moment. Learning to ask questions to find common ground or learn something new helps friendships blossom. Ask the children to interview a partner then present their findings. “This is my friend Anaya and today her favourite colour is…, and her favourite food is…” 6 | LEARN NEW THINGS It’s no surprise children feel hesitant to share when it usually means stopping their play and watching someone else have a go. Instead of thinking about what we give up when we share, encourage pupils to think about what we gain. To demonstrate, get children into a circle, and then place an object in the centre – a ball, a hula hoop or a beanbag. Moving around the circle, ask each child how they could play with the object. The catch? No two ideas can be the same. Encourage imaginative thinking; there are no wrong answers! At the end of the game, discuss all the brilliant ideas you now have. Playing some simple games can help children in EYFS and LKS1 understand why taking turns is a key part of having fun 6 ways to encourage younger pupils to share KIM HILLYARD is an award-winning author and illustrator of children’s picturebooks. Her latest book, Bert and the Bubble (£7.99, Ladybird) is out now. 1 | THINK POSITIVE Sharing is fundamental to our success in human groups and an essential skill that we’ll continue to practise for the rest of our lives. From a very young age, children are encouraged to share – though often this comes with admonishment in the heat of the moment, rather than praise. Start instead by talking about how fantastic the children are at sharing already. Look around the classroom and point out all that we share – our desks, our colouring pencils, our rug, our bookshelf…Can the children think of brilliant ways they share at home? 2 | USE ROLEPLAY Conflict often arises in situations that require sharing. Possessing a coveted item feels exciting and powerful. Being without feels unfair and frustrating. Help children explore these big emotions with a role-playing game. In ‘Pen Pot Power’, two children sit in front of the class, each holding a pen pot. Give six pens to one child and none to the other – then, taking turns, ask the children to add a pen to their pots. Every time a pen lands in the pot, the rest of the class cheer with gusto! Afterwards, discuss how the pupils felt. Then repeat, giving the children three pens each. 3 | WRITE IT DOWN Successful sharing is built upon respect. In my new picture book, Bert and the Bubble, Bert the frog does not want to share the biggest bubble in the world because he doesn’t trust his friends. All his other bubbles have been popped or eaten! It’s normal not to want to share with someone who doesn’t make you feel safe. A class contract is a great way to agree on the behaviours that make us feel safe and able to play and work together happily. Using their words, write children’s suggestions on a large sheet of paper and ask them to sign their names at the bottom. Stick it up where all can see. Writing a new class contract at the start of each term is a great way to reconnect. www.teachwire.net | 11